By Dr Jila Tahani,
Glasshouse Country Vet Services
As dogs get older they may develop heart disease. Young puppies may suffer from congenital (present at birth) heart abnormalities.
One of the most common forms of cardiac disease is Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD). It can affect any breeds but is more common in small breeds.
Some breeds are more prone, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cocker Spaniel. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often affects larger breeds such as Boxers and Great Danes.
Early signs can be subtle and missed. That’s why it’s very important to get your dogs checked at least once a year by a vet even if they seem healthy.
Veterinarians can pickup heart murmurs by listening to your pet’s heart. You may notice reduced stamina, or changes in breathing or slight weight loss, sometimes you may notice mild coughs.
As the disease progresses, dogs may develop exercise intolerance, fainting and fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen
Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination. If vets are concerned about heart disease, they recommend further testing including chest X-ray and echocardiography (heart ultrasound) and blood pressure measurement to assess the heart’s structure and function.
These all help to evaluate disease severity and help with choosing the right treatment option.
Treatment depends on the disease stage. Mild cases may be managed with monitoring and more frequent vet visits, while more advanced cases often require medication to improve heart function, control blood pressure and reduce fluid buildup.
With early detection and appropriate care, many dogs with heart disease can live happy, comfortable lives for years.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring and adjusting treatment as needed.
